~ Situated along the Pacific Ocean's "ring of fire," Japan is a country formed by volcanoes, with diverse offerings that range from snow-capped mountains to breathtaking beaches to mega-metropolises.
Teaching English in Japan
Japan continues to reign as one of the most popular countries for teaching English as a foreign language. Most TEFL teachers in Japan will find positions as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), working alongside local instructors at a public school in a smaller city or rural area. These placements offer a truly unique cultural experience—often you will find yourself the only non-native speaker in the town, providing a real opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture.
Many public schools offer subsidized housing for teachers, and with the low cost of living in more rural areas, English teachers can do quite well. TEFL positions can also be found in private schools across the country, including in many of the larger cities. These private schools often offer benefits such as airfare reimbursement, but the hiring environment tends to be more competitive and positions harder to come by. Your students in Japan will likely be school-aged learners in public schools and adults learning conversational English or professionals improving their business English in private schools.
Japan TEFL Facts:
Your English Students K-12 University Adults
Best Time to Get Hired April and August
Length of Commitment 12-month contracts
Typical Teaching Schedules Full and part-time schedules available
Average Pay and Benefits $1700 - $2500 USD per month Bonuses on completion of contract
(from some schools) Reimbursed airfare upon completion of contract (from some schools)
Average Cost of Living $800 - $1000 per month depending on lifestyle
Requirements Bachelor’s degree TEFL certification (TEFL Online accepted) Native speaker or fluent in English
Japan Overview
The large and intriguing collection of islands off the coasts of Korea and Russia make up the nation of Japan. The bright green hills, striking architecture, and distinctive culture of Japan have seduced visitors for centuries. The country's four main islands are surrounded by thousands of smaller ones, each of which prides itself on its unique traditions and customs. About 80 percent of the landmass in Japan is covered by mountains, with numerous small and narrow plains found along the coasts.
Today, the Japanese people are known for their strong work ethic and mastery of high technology. Those who teach English in the big cities of this country will also be immersed in the world-famous fashion scene, unique pop-culture, and vivacious night life that characterize modern urban Japan. Contemporary Japan exists as a multi-layered culture of the modern and the traditional, the high-tech and the ancient, the competitive and the humble—and offers endless opportunities for foreign visitors to learn about, enjoy, and experience a truly unique country.
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The TEFL Life Shangai, China
Capital: Tokyo
Population: 127,728,000
Currency: Yen
Language(s): Japanese
Literacy Rate:99%
Life Expectancy: 81 years
The most popular topping for pizza
in Japan is squid.
The red circle on the center of Japan’s flag signifies the sun.
There are more than 40 active volcanoes in Japan.
Japan has one of the best recycling systems in the world.
Japan is made up of over
6,000 islands.
Japan has a generally mild climate. However, the country stretches for 1,864 miles (3,000 km) from sub-arctic in the extreme north to sub-tropical in the far south, so there is plenty of variation. The highest precipitation in most areas falls during the rainy season, from mid-June to mid-July. Typhoons are only likely to occur in September or October but rarely last more than a day. Winters are cool and sunny in the south, cold and sunny around Tokyo (which occasionally has snow), and very cold around the northern city of Hokkaido, which is covered in snow for up to four months a year. Summer, between June and September, ranges from warm to very hot, while spring and autumn are generally mild throughout the country.
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